Unity Cup: AIK share crucial update on Zadok Yohanna’s invitation to Super Eagles

Swedish club AIK has clarified the status of Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna after he was called up to the Super Eagles for the 2026 Unity Cup, according to Afrik‑Foot.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle announced his squad on Wednesday, naming Yohanna as one of 12 debutants.

The call‑up was expected, given Yohanna’s strong start at AIK, where he has scored two goals and provided three assists in seven league appearances.

Zadok Yohanna AIK during the Allsvenskan. Copyright: ImagoxPhilipxKangasx/xSPPx

His performances have even linked the 18‑year‑old—who will turn 19 next month—to European giants such as RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.

With such talent, Yohanna was widely expected to make a strong impact at the Unity Cup and cement his place in the national team.

However, shortly after the squad announcement, doubts arose about his availability. The Unity Cup, held from 26 to 30 May, falls outside the official FIFA international calendar, so AIK is not legally required to release him and considers him too valuable to miss during the current domestic season.

Super Eagles Get Zadok Yohanna Update From AIK

AIK’s Zadok Yohanna. JONATHANxNÄCKSTRANDxImago

When first asked on Wednesday about Yohanna’s participation, AIK Recruitment Manager Miika Takkula said the club would hold an internal meeting to decide.

After that meeting, the club issued its final decision on Thursday. In an official statement posted on its website, AIK confirmed it will keep the youngster while he recovers from an injury and prepares for upcoming club fixtures.

“AIK Football is proud of Zadok Yohanna for his selection to the Nigerian national team for the upcoming Unity Cup in London,” the club said. “However, Zadok is currently in a crucial final stage of his rehabilitation. The club has therefore decided not to release him for national team duty this time. The decision is based partly on his recovery process, but also on sporting reasons, as Zadok is an important player for AIK Football. We look forward to seeing Zadok represent the Nigerian national team in the future.”

A report by Swedish outlet Expressen added that the decision was also influenced by a bureaucratic oversight: the Nigeria Football Federation reportedly failed to officially contact AIK before announcing the squad.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. Copyright: xVincentxKAMTOxImago

Following this setback, Coach Chelle must now decide whether to call up a late replacement or proceed with the remaining 26 players on his roster.

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Kelvin Omachonu

Sports Writer